Every year, the September Celebrations are a grand occasion, and for the official launch, the Government usually holds it in a part of the country that has some historical or cultural significance.
But, last night, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the National September Celebrations Commission had to settle for a virtual launch, which was broadcasted from The Placencia Resort.
Although the event was scaled way back to limit mass gatherings and person-to-person interactions, the organizers still attempted to share the patriotic spirit behind the celebrations.
The opening ceremony lasted for almost 3 hours - and it was live on all TV stations. Here are excerpts from two important speakers at the teleconference event:
Francis Humphreys - Mayor, Dangriga Town
"The nation has been crafted and made stronger and more resilient by adversity, right up to the attainment of political independence. And so, even though our plans to celebrate the coming age of our township, and the annual September Celebrations, we will continue to cherish in our hearts and in our souls the need for patriotism and nationalism in these particularly challenging times. We must continue to be visionary in all that we do, so that the adversities we face are set aside, defeated, and become stepping stones to a better nation. We must continue to be vibrant and forward-looking in everything we attempt, and eventually accomplish. And so, through the use of modern technology, we are having an official launch of the September Celebrations."
"It is with heartfelt pleasure that I say to everyone, let us celebrate, not necessarily from the streets, but from our hearts and souls, realizing without this blessed nation, we have lost our birthright."
Hon. Patrick Faber - Chair, September Celebrations Commission
"Let us, again, harness the indomitable spirit of our September forefathers from over 200 years ago, when our ancestors made a fateful decision to defend the then settlement of the Bay of Honduras, at the Mouth of the Belize River, in the face of an overwhelming armada, whose only purpose was to destroy the small settlement of what was to become modern-day Belize. Let us put on the armor of our patriotic and nationalistic leaders, who individually and collectively resisted colonialism, brought about the change, and brought Belize to independence in 1981."
The next major event on the Celebrations Calendar is the 9th night bram, which is also virtual, but you will be able to see it here on Channel 7.
Again, the theme for this years celebrations is "Overcoming Adversity, Creating Opportunity, Belizeans Unite For Prosperity!"
